US: Tlaib accuses Biden of supporting genocide against Palestinians

US: Tlaib accuses Biden of supporting genocide against Palestinians
Palestinian American US Representative Rashida Tlaib said that President Joe Biden 'supported the genocide of the Palestinian people'.
2 min read
04 November, 2023
Rashida Tlaib is the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress [Drew Angerer/Getty-archive]

US Representative Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress, has accused President Joe Biden of supporting a "genocide" against Palestinians and warned of repercussions in next year's election.

In a video posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday, the Democratic Congresswoman from Michigan repeated her calls for Biden to back a ceasefire in the almost month-long Gaza war.

"Joe Biden supported the genocide of the Palestinian people," Tlaib said in the video clip, which showed images of the dead and wounded from bombings in Gaza, pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the United States, Biden declaring support for Israel, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanking the US president.

White House spokespeople did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her remarks.

Israel has occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, for decades and has carried out several previous assaults on the besieged enclave.

The current war in Gaza began on 7 October, after Hamas and other Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack inside Israel, killing more than 1,400 people.

Israel has since waged a relentless military campaign in the strip that has so far killed nearly 9,500 people.

Food in Gaza is scarce, residents have resorted to drinking salty water, and medical services are collapsing.

Washington has maintained robust military and political support for Israel, while calling on its ally to take steps to avoid civilian deaths and address Gaza's humanitarian crisis.

"The American people will not forget. Biden, support ceasefire now or don't count on us in 2024," Tlaib said.

"Mr president, the American people are not with you on this one. We will remember in 2024."

(Reuters)